Santa helpers kick off toy, coat drives

The 46th annual Lincoln County Toy Drive, spearheaded by the Fayetteville Rotary Club, The Times and Fayetteville Fire Department, is getting underway.

This week, The Times’ begins accepting applications for the toy drive, which benefits underprivileged children up to the age of 12. The applications are available at The Times’ office located at 418 Elk Avenue North in Fayetteville.

The drive is also accepting the donation of new toys, as well as monetary donations, 100-percent of which are used to purchase new toys for children benefiting from the annual campaign.

“We really appreciate the community’s support every year,” said Danny Travis, Fayetteville fire chief and drive co-chair. “One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly toward purchasing toys for the drive, and all the money stays here in Lincoln County, helping Lincoln County kids.”

Fayetteville firemen and Rotarians will also hit the street for a roadblock on Saturday, Dec. 1, for the benefit of the annual campaign.

In regard to monetary donations, checks should be made payable to the Lincoln County Toy Drive and sent in care of The Times, P.O. Box 9, Fayetteville, or given to any member of the Fayetteville Rotary Club or any Fayetteville firemen. Donations of new toys can also be taken by The Times at 418 North Elk Avenue, Sir’s Fabrics at 110 North Elk Avenue, or the Fayetteville Fire Department’s main fire hall at 300 West Market Street, as well as a host of other locations across Fayetteville and Lincoln County.

In coming weeks, The Times will begin listing all the drop-off locations for toys, as well as begin listing the contributions to the 2011 drive. If you wish to contribute but would like to remain anonymous, simply note that on your check.

“This drive is all about bringing some joy to children who might not otherwise receive toys for Christmas,” said Travis. “We want to reach families that are truly in need.”

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 7.

“A lot of times, people who most need help won’t ask for it,” Travis added. “It’s these families, in particular, that we’d like to reach.”

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